Nicaragua sees thousands protest in support of Church

Faithful and non-faithful alike join together to demonstrate against the hostilities.

Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Nicaragua to lend their support to the Catholic church as it mediates talks between the government and the opposition.

Vatican News reports the Church has called for an end to violence on both sides and has been critical of the Nicaraguan government’s handling of unrest. Since president Daniel Ortega assumed office, 300 people have been killed during protests.

The demonstration took place after the government accused the Catholic Church of siding with the opposition and encouraging protests. The gathering was joined by other religious denominations as well as non-religious citizens.

Bishop Carlos Avilés, head of the commission for National Dialogue stated firmly that the churches would stay open for those who needed shelter, “The Church will continue to support dialogue, even if it is criticized.”

President Daniel Ortega`s younger Brother Humberto, former Minister of Defense, urges his brother to have the pro-government militia, which are escalating the violence, stand down. President Ortega refuses to dismiss the paramilitaries, accusing the opposition of working with the drug cartels against him.

Ortega is urging that elections be moved forward, but the President and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murill,o have refused to step down.